Orientation in Real Estate
You do your due diligence. You choose the best program and apply. You are one of the few selected and you accept. Finally, the day comes when you arrive on the campus of Cornell University and walk into Sibley Hall to learn about real estate, right? Wrong. From the first day of orientation you find out that the study of real estate is less about the physical product and more about people and their relationship to real estate.
Join us for a journey through the first year experience, and your journey starts now…
Day 1 – August 15th - Who We Are
Our introduction to real estate starts with a tour of the people around us. Nine countries represented in one class – the largest incoming class in the history of the program. Our hometowns span the globe from Europe to South East Asia and back to the States. Want to do a deal in China or Germany? Someone has not only been there; they’ve lived there. We know our new classmates will undoubtedly give us greater insight into the international arena of real estate.
Day 2 – August 16th - We Are Global
Our ability to succeed in the industry will largely be shaped by our ability to function in teams and to adapt to changing environmental, economic, political, and technological landscapes. Building on the knowledge that we learned yesterday, we continue today to learn about working together in a cross cultural environment with a special seminar taught by the Industrial and Labor Relations School. Next step, we have an introductory Excel Workshop which teaches those who thought they were Excel savvy that they may have a lot more to learn. Who knew Excel could do that?!
Day 3 – August 17th - Where We Are
Don’t miss the bus!!! Day three gets us out into the city and surrounding countryside to experience the various types of real estate and its relationship to the people of Ithaca. We travel all day viewing a plethora of properties in our new home while gaining an understanding of the role and influence that the PRE has played in these projects. Today gives us a visual lesson on housing, office, and commercial properties in Ithaca.
Day 4 – August 18th - Where Are We?
A guided tour around the campus with Professor Brad Olson is a great way to get our bearings and become familiar with the enormous campus. It was especially useful to find our way to those hidden lectures and seminars in Hollister Hall, Statler Hall, and Sage Hall just for starters.
As we all know by now, real estate is a team game and so fittingly we have teambuilding exercises organized for the afternoon. Plenty of sun block and hats required for this one!!
The evening brings us to the social side of the program where we met the people behind our new classmates. A family event at Travis Boat Dock, kids welcome! This is a good time to chat and sample some of the Finger Lakes famous wines and shake off some of our first week jitters!
Day 5 – Exhale
This is really happening! Day five provides an opportunity (maybe the last for a while) to relax and prepare for the week ahead. Plus, we have a unique chance to connect with the larger Cornell Graduate School community at the Grad School Orientation
Day 6 – August 20th - Are We Ready?
Well it’s now or never! Time to register and make this official! Plus, get prepared for our summer internships with a resume critique from the Coordinator of Career Management Pam Dusseau. During the afternoon each student has a meeting with their assigned advisors. These advisors are our guide to Cornell and everything to do with the Program. Great for all of those burning questions!
Day 7 – Wow, I can do that!?
The 2008 students presented us with an astonishing array of internships that they had undertaken earlier this summer. Internships ranged from Goldman Sachs in Korea to Urban American in New York City. The internship presentations gave us a chance to see the types of internships that we can expect to be part of next summer.
This evening brought the students and our families to the home of PRE Director David Funk and Cristina Gomez for a welcoming barbeque. This is our chance to mix with faculty, staff, and classmates on a social level, kick back and relax.
Day 8 – Fore!
The last day before classes and it’s time to relax. The 2009 students are off to Cornell’s Robert Trent Jones Golf course to hit a round of golf. Good thing there is no experience necessary…FORE!
Day 9 – Ready or not!
Today is the first day of class and first day of the rest of our lives! What’s ahead?
We’ll experience real estate inside and outside of the classroom. From mid-terms on campus to New York City to Vegas, we will get a 360o picture of the real estate landscape.
Our journey doesn’t end there. Check back in with us to find our more about the first year experience in the PRE…